1/3 Of The World is Now Overweight, Fuels Physician Shortage

Obesity At All-Time High as Physicians, Healthcare Professionals Strained

According to a report published by The New England Journal of Medicine last week, one-third of the world’s population is overweight. ⅓ of the global population is roughly 2.5 billion individuals. Additionally, the report stated that 711.4 million people are obese. Both numbers have increased dramatically in the past decade.

Data from 68.5 million individuals over a 35 year period, 1980 to 2015, was used to get the recent results. Over that 35 year period, throughout 70 countries, the percentage of individuals considered obese doubled. The report also noted an increase in childhood obesity. Overall, globally, there were 4 million deaths as a result of an individual being either overweight or obese.

(Image: New England Journal of Medicine)

Not surprisingly, the United States took first place with the highest prevalence of obesity worldwide. 35% of Americans are considered overweight.

Obesity has been a concern among Americans for decades. However, even though healthcare professionals have linked obesity to diabetes, heart disease, and death, Americans are becoming more overweight and unhealthy. This trend is no longer American. Globally, obesity is trending upwards. This is likely due to developing countries obtaining new foodstuff high in fat and artificial ingredients.

A rising prevalence of obesity and overweight individuals is adding to the already strained and overworked community of healthcare professionals. In the developed world, there is expected to be a shortage of doctors and other healthcare professionals over the next few decades. Fueled by global aging and a higher prevalence of obese individuals, the shortage is only set to get worse.